Michelle Malin, CPA, CA, recipient of the 2025 CPAWSB Recognition Award for Session Leader, has built a career that combines technical expertise, education and mentorship. She is passionate about helping students and candidates develop the confidence, judgment and practical skills needed to succeed in the profession. Through her work in the classroom and beyond, Malin continues to shape the next generation of accounting professionals while demonstrating the leadership, mentorship and commitment recognized by this award.
Education and Experience Background
Malin earned her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation through the legacy program after completing the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) program at the University of Saskatchewan.
The experience provided the technical foundation that launched her career in public practice, first in audit and later in tax. Over time, however, she realized that the designation offered much more than technical knowledge. While she originally expected to spend her career progressing through the ranks of public practice, her professional journey eventually expanded into teaching, mentoring and facilitating CPA candidates.
The combination of technical expertise, communication skills and critical thinking emphasized throughout the CPA profession has opened doors she never anticipated.
A Passion for Teaching
Teaching was not originally part of Malin’s career plan. While working in public practice, she accepted a part-time opportunity to teach an introductory tax course at NAIT. What began as a side opportunity quickly became a passion.
That experience eventually led her into academia and CPA facilitation. What continues to motivate her is helping students connect technical concepts to real-world situations. She describes her favourite moments as the point when a concept finally clicks, allowing a student or candidate to see how classroom learning translates into professional work.
Malin also enjoys seeing former students progress through the CPA program and develop into confident professionals.
Advice to Candidates on Choosing Electives
One of the questions Malin is asked most often by students and CPA candidates is whether specializing too early can limit future career options. Her answer is simple: “Don't be afraid to specialize.”
She remembers having similar concerns when she transitioned from audit into tax and later pursued CPA Canada's In-Depth Tax Program. At the time, she worried those decisions might narrow her future opportunities. Instead, specialization helped her stand out and led to new professional opportunities and career paths. She explains, “By investing in yourself and developing specialized skills, you make yourself an asset."
For candidates selecting electives or considering their next steps, Malin encourages them to focus on both their interests and their strengths. She also reminds students that the CPA profession offers remarkable flexibility. Whether someone enjoys analytical work, client-facing roles, teamwork or independent problem solving, there are opportunities to build a career that aligns with those preferences.
Giving Back Through Education and Community Service
Beyond teaching and facilitating, Malin has dedicated significant time to volunteer work. She served for several years as treasurer of WIN House, using her professional expertise to support an organization that provides services to women experiencing violence.
She also encourages students to find opportunities to give back to their communities, noting that volunteer experiences can provide valuable hands-on learning before entering the workforce. One example she highlights is the volunteer tax clinic at MacEwan University, where students prepare tax returns for eligible community members under faculty supervision.
For Malin, these experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting while developing important client service and communication skills.
"It's a great way to use what you've learned while giving back," she says.
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
Outside of work, Malin enjoys endurance sports and goal-oriented challenges. Alongside her husband, she has completed multiple triathlons, and last year she achieved a long-standing goal of running her first marathon. The accomplishment reflects an approach that has guided both her personal and professional life: challenge yourself, continue learning and never stop growing.
Whether she is teaching in the classroom, facilitating CPA candidates, volunteering in the community or training for her next event, Malin remains committed to helping others succeed.
Like accounting itself, she has learned that the most rewarding experiences often come from navigating complexity rather than simply finding the answer.
